Investigating the influences of context on the information seeking behaviour of first-generation students

Abstract

This paper reports on a qualitative study investigating the information seeking behaviour of first-generation students enrolled at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, in the Humanities’ Mastering Academic and Professional Skills programme. The purpose is to determine the way in which their socio-economic situations influenced their ability to solve information problems. The target population come from low-income families with low social and cultural capacity in their home environment. A qualitative phenomenological research approach was followed. A purposive convenience sample was drawn from the target population. A total of 17 students participated in the study. Qualitative data analysis procedures were used with inductive reasoning as an open-ended approach. The data were collected using interviews with an open- and close-ended interview schedule. Both contextual (environmental) and personal experiences influence the information seeking behaviour of first-generation students. Information literacy as an intervention served as a catalyst to change the students’ information seeking behaviour. An understanding of first-generation students’ information seeking behaviour can provide insights for librarians on the way in which to meet these students’ information needs.